MOSLEY, Ph.D.

JOHN COLBERT

Of Pittsburgh, PA, peacefully passed away, on the morning of January 21, 2026, after a short illness.

Born in Rainelle, WV on June 23, 1935, he was one of 11 children; and the twin of his beloved sister, Ferne Lucille, who preceded him in death, in 1963. After graduating from high school, he enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he enrolled at West Virginia State College (now University) as an education major. At WVSU, he excelled academically and athletically. He received numerous honors, including being inducted into the WVSU Sports Hall of Fame, voted Mr. West Virginia State in 1962, and was honored as the Alumnus of the Year in 1977.

While at State, he met and married his late wife, Rosalind, with whom he had two daughters, Farah and Ferne.

John began his career teaching elementary school in the Cleveland public school system, before moving the family to Pittsburgh, where he pursued his Master's degree and Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. He served as the principal of the Holy Rosary School in Homewood and later joined the University's School of Education faculty and became a tenured associate professor until his retirement in 2000.

He founded a career skills and job placement company, Program Research and Development, Inc., to help at-risk youth, and volunteered with the First Tee organization.

John's other passions included travel, astronomy, spending time with family, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, jewelry making, gardening, and living life independently until his death.

In addition to his daughters, he is survived by his sisters, Doris and Emma; his brother, Everett; and many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, former students and friends.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Virginia State Foundation in his memory (WVSU Advancement, 100 East Hall, P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000). Arrangements are entrusted to COSTON FUNERAL HOMES INC., Pittsburgh, PA.